Vivaterra Recycled Glass Decanter

For the simple reason that we don’t know anyone who doesn’t need more glassware- and that these remind us of meals in the Italian countryside. ($39), tumblers ($49/set of 4) and wine goblets ($69/set of 4), www.vivaterra.com

Domestic Aesthetic Shakers

Tis the season to remember that seasonings can and should be given beautiful homes. We love these reclaimed poplar and walnut wood salt and pepper shakers by Brooklyn-based Domestic Aesthetic. $56, www.branchhome.com

Mango Cheese Knives

You could show up with cheese, but it’ll be gone by the end of the night. Give them a cheese knife set instead, and they’ll thank you for years to come. Bamboo cheese tray knife set, $38, www.anthropologie.com

Seracon Flowers & Trees

It’s about as green as you can get with a gift, but we recommend keeping in mind the recipients abilities in the garden before purchasing. Some of us can kill succulents. For retailers, call 800-465-1818, or email info@seracon.ca.

Edible flowers (marigold, nasturtium, pansy), $20 each

Organic Sprouts in a lunch bag, $22

Outdoor Trees, $12

Tropical Trees, $12

Mini Trees (great stocking stuffers), $6

“Velo” Tea Towel

It’s made of organic cotton and features a great graphic of a low-impact form of transportation—a win/win on the eco scale. $20, www.branchhome.com

Altru Candles and Fragrance Oils

Altru’s beautifully packaged soy-based candles and interior fragrance oil sticks not only look great (no wrapping paper required!), but they do good, too—the company supports in a Perfect World, a non-profit that aims to inspire children around the world to become compassionate, socially conscious leaders. Founder Manuela Testolini developed the line’s fragrances based on her travels around the world; our favorites for the season include Artistry, a mix of warm vanilla, spices, and touch of black tea; stimulating Wellness, with white clove and ginger; and unisex Unity, featuring Burmese sandalwood, honey and hints of leather. Or choose the special edition dark amber-and-spice Humanity candle, which benefits the Alliance for a New Humanity. Candles $55, Fragrance Oils $65, www.altrubygamillah.com

Museum of Robots Bowl

Sci-fi lovers will get a kick out of this wooden Flying Sauncer Bowl Set. Station it on a sideboard, then put it to use for cradling fruit, candies, or bread. Comes with either a metal base, resembling the legs of a space ship, or the wooden base, shown. $290, www.museumofrobots.com

Design House Stockholm Pitcher

These blown-glass pieces may be used as a pitcher with stopper, a wine decanter, or a vase. When the stopper is not in use, it can still act as part of the design, only securely stationed underneath. The stopper has one flat surface, so that it won’t roll. $69, www.designhousestockholm.com

Magisso Cake Server

This metal server from Finland cuts uniform slices, then with a light squeeze, will transport the slice to the plate without it falling over. $59.95, www.urban-butik.com

Ralph Lauren Candles

Too cold to head to the spa for some much-deserved pampering? Let the spa come to you! Light one of Ralph Lauren’s candles in your bathroom, and watch as the inviting glow calms your mind and recharges your senses. $40, www.ralphlauren.com

Poivre d’Or African Table Art

East of Mozambique and Madagascar, lies the island of Mauritius, part of the spice route in olden days. Get a taste of those traditions today, at Poivre d’Or, whose local artisans are filling the shelves with an exquisite array of tabletop items, spices, and prepared jams and chutneys, all outstanding. The vibrant colors mixed with the black plates and black-and-white polka dotted spoons, can transform your holiday table into something exotic, www.poivredor.com

Simon Pearce Glassware

The name “Simon Pearce” has been synonymous with beautiful glass objects for decades. What many may not know is that, for 30 years, the company has produced 85 percent of the power they consume in their Vermont offices, and all glass not used is melted down and used again. Available at www.garnethill.com:

Franconia Collection Vases (photo on page 72): $125 and $195

Franconia Collection Bowl, $120 and $175

2009 Limited Edition Ornament, $40

Desu Design Coat Rack

A lot of guests means a lot of coats. This coat rack acts as a subtle work of art when not in use, but can accommodate up to nine garments in a flash. Available in white with metallic color accents or for the true minimalists, aluminum. $435, www.desudesign.com

The VitaClay Multicooker

This is perfect for the person on your list who loves kitchen gadgets. Combining traditional clay pot cooking with computerized electronic rice cooking and programmable slow cooking, this gizmo is a combo of old and new. Create healthier meals without the worry of chemical leaching, toxic nonstick coatings, or microwaves. The Vitaclay is made out of pure, organically harvested Zisha clay that retains and enhances the fresh, natural flavor of foods, as well as preserves nutrients and juices. $139.99, www.vitaclaychef.com

Paddy Wax Soy Candles

Light up one of Paddy Wax’s six soy candles and watch as its glow instantly adds a more intimate, festive ambience to any room. The company will plant a tree through the American Forests Foundation with each purchase. $28, www.paddywax.com

Give the Gift of Thoughtfullness

As much as it’s “one more thing to do,” sending holiday greetings to friends and family-whether with traditional holiday cards (on recycled paper, of course!) or via the internet- is a thoughtful gesture and brings an immediate sense of joy and warmth to those on the receiving end.